The government of Uzbekistan has unveiled its plan to commence operations of a sodium cyanide production plant by the conclusion of 2025. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen the safety measures within the gold mining industry in the southern region of the republic. The Ministry of Industry and Construction made this announcement, emphasizing the significance of this decision.
The establishment of a sodium cyanide production plant is part of a larger endeavor to ensure the long-term security of the gold mining industry in the Zhambyl region, meet the domestic market’s requirements, and export any surplus to Russia and China. The project holds substantial potential for export, considering the projected increase in demand in neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia within the coming years.
According to the authorities, the plant is scheduled to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Altynalmas Reagents company, situated in the “Chemopark Taraz” special economic zone in the city of Chu, will oversee this project.
“The production capacity of the plant will be 25 thousand tons of sodium cyanide annually. This chemical reagent is of utmost importance and irreplaceable in the modern gold hydrometallurgical industry. The product will consist of sodium cyanide with an exceptional purity level of no less than 98%,” explained the Ministry.
To ensure the highest standard of technology, the new plant will employ the licensed technology of Chemours (formerly known as DuPont), a global leader in the chemical industry.
“The project’s design and construction are being carried out by Glatt GmbH, a renowned German engineering company. This project has been successfully implemented in two similar plants located in different parts of the world. The plant will adopt the finest technologies and practices, while prioritizing environmental protection and compliance with ecological standards. For instance, the project incorporates a closed-cycle water supply system with zero discharge to the environment and employs state-of-the-art equipment to environmentally neutralize emitted gases,” added the press service.
Through this ambitious undertaking, Uzbekistan seeks to fortify the gold mining industry’s safety measures and establish itself as a reliable supplier of sodium cyanide, both domestically and internationally. The government’s commitment to implementing advanced technologies and sustainable practices ensures a harmonious balance between economic growth and ecological stewardship.
